Final answer:
The term that best describes formal recognition of individual proficiency and comprehension in a knowledge area through exams is (A) 'Certification', reflecting the concept of credentialism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Formal recognition that an individual has proficiency within, and a comprehension of, a specified body of knowledge, often through the administration of an examination, is best called Certification.
This term encompasses the concept of credentialism, which is the emphasis on certificates or degrees to show that a person has certain skills, has attained a certain level of education, or meets specific job qualifications. The process of obtaining such recognition can involve a variety of assessments and lead to the awarding of a professional certification that symbolizes the individual's achievements and capabilities.